Cork Fans Played Their Part

29th Jul 2013

Even though we called for it in the Echo last Thursday, the volume of support that came out to support JBM’s Rebels in Thurles was unprecedented and certainly contributed to the historic victory over Kilkenny.

Right from the start the chants of ‘Oh To Be A Rebel’ rang out from the Town End with large pockets of very vocal fans of all ages getting right behind JBM’s team. The excitement when Cork nipped into a five point lead was palpable: fellas looking at each other every time Kilkenny fluffed a basic free or when Hoggie tore the infamous Kilkenny backline asunder.

By definition, the Cork fans that attended were the most likely to believe we could win but with such hunger and physicality being shown by the young rebels the belief grew by the second as Kilkenny appeared to be taken aback at the massive show of strength from Leeside: the prize fighter suddenly looking vulnerable while a boisterous crowd bayed for his defeat.

At half time the talk at the town end was that it was ours to lose. Every Cork player had brought their A-game, the match-ups were working, the half-backs were moping up well, Stevie McDonnell was solid while Shane and Conor were in top form – no sign of that hip injury said to be troubling O’Neill.
 

JBM's post match interview was typically humble

With about 56 minutes gone and Cork five points in the clear the first airing of The Banks bounced around the terrace but for some Cork fans, knowing the previous feats of this gallant Kilkenny team, it was far too early for song as the Cats reigned in ball after ball in the hope of finally finding a way past Nash while our hearts pounded in our chests. Shhhhhh! Tiz too early!

In the end the hysteria on the terraces and in the stands muffled any chance of a co-ordinated rendition of the Banks as the players left the field and within minutes the set was being swopped for the next showdown.

Some Rebels danced around with their shirts off swinging them above their heads like young calves left loose in a spring field while others just stood still smiling and tearful performing a quiet monologue for a small audience of fluffy clouds in the blue sky above us - giving thanks to some hurling divinity who decided it was our day at last.

It’s not biased to say that not only did Cork fans massively outnumber Kilkenny fans but we also outnumbered those of Clare and Galway too. Numbers aren’t everything but if there was a competition for noise we would have won that too. Kilkenny fans were mute from the start and later on while the Banner’s followers did make a din which clearly had an effect on their team, the Galway crowd were startlingly and embarrssingly silent from the word go.

Cork fans are delighted with their team’s performance and, though it usually goes unremarked, there’s no doubt that JBM and company will be happy with how their own 16^th man performed too.